As to the Roman that would free his land, <br />His error was his honor and renown <br />And more the fame of his mistaking hand <br />Than if he had the tyrant overthrown, <br />So, Delia, hath mine error made me known, <br />And deceiv'd attempt deserv'd more fame <br />Than if I had the victory mine own, <br />And thy hard heart had yielded up the same. <br />And so, likewise, renowned is thy blame, <br />Thy cruelty, thy glory; O strange case, <br />That errors should be grac'd that merit shame <br />And sin of frowns bring honor to thy face. <br />Yet happy, Delia, that thou wast unkind, <br />But happier yet, if thou wouldst change thy mind.<br /><br />Samuel Daniel<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sonnet-lvi-as-to-the-roman/
